In a sporting calendar often defined by competition and trophies, an upcoming golf day in Gaborone is aiming for something far more meaningful – changing lives.
On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the fairways of Stanbic Bank Gaborone Golf Club will host the Play with Purpose – Autism Awareness Charity Golf Day. The event blends sport with advocacy, and is driven by one mother’s deeply personal journey.
Melissa Modise, a businesswoman, wife, and mother of two, is the force behind the initiative. Her inspiration comes from her six-year-old son, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three – a moment that reshaped her family’s life.
“What began as fear, shock, and confusion has become acceptance and determination,” Modise shares. “We have been fortunate to access early intervention, therapies, and strong support. But that is not the reality for most families.”
Across Botswana, many parents raising children on the autism spectrum face are faced with a lack of adequate resources, information, or support. Early intervention, widely known to improve developmental outcomes, remains out of reach for many due to financial constraints, limited services, and a lack of awareness.
For Modise, the weight of the journey is undeniable. “It is mental exhaustion. It is financial strain. It is relationships tested to their core. And it’s often carried in silence, in a society that still does not fully understand autism.”
The upcoming golf day is designed to change this status quo. Play with Purpose is a call to action. It seeks to move beyond surface-level awareness toward meaningful understanding. It seeks to challenge misconceptions, break stigma, and create inclusive spaces where children on the spectrum are fully accepted.
“We want children on the spectrum to be seen as part of everyday life, not exceptions. Inclusion is not kindness – it’s a necessity,” Modise emphasizes.
Funds raised from the event will support Autism Botswana, a local organization dedicated to advocating for individuals on the autism spectrum and assisting their families. Autism Botswana works to raise awareness, provide resources, and push for a more inclusive society. And like many in the sector, it faces growing demand with limited resources.
The event also carries an educational message. Modise highlights that autism is not one-size-fits-all. Each child is unique, and communication is not always verbal. Understanding and meeting children where they are, she says, is key to true inclusion.
As golfers prepare to tee off, the message behind the event remains clear: this is about more than sport.
“This is bigger than a golf day. “It is about changing mindsets, showing up for families who feel unseen, and giving children the chance not just to exist, but to thrive,” she says.
Businesses and individuals are being called upon to support the initiative through sponsorships and participation, helping turn a day on the course into lasting impact beyond it.
Sometimes the most important victories aren’t recorded on a scorecard – but in the lives changed along the way.
